Parents Universal Resource Experts & Sue Scheff: Childhood Depression by Psych Central

Depression is a serious health problem that affects people of all ages, including children and adolescents. It is the persistent experience of a sad or irritable mood and the loss of interest or pleasure in nearly all activities. These feelings are accompanied by a range of additional symptoms affecting appetite and sleep, activity level and concentration, and feelings of self-worth.

Clinical depression is more than just �feeling blue� or having a bad day. And it's different from the feelings of grief or sorrow that might follow a major loss, such as a death in the family. It�s not a personal weakness or a character flaw. Children and teens with clinical depression cannot simply �snap out of it.�

Depression is a form of mental illness that affects the whole body � it impacts the way one feels, thinks and acts. If left untreated, depression can lead to school failure, alcohol or other drug use, and even suicide.


Know The Signs.

Persistent sadness and hopelessness.
Withdrawal from friends and activities once enjoyed.
Increased irritability or agitation.
Missed school or poor school performance.
Changes in eating and sleeping habits (e.g. significant weight loss or insomnia).
Indecision, lack of concentration or forgetfulness.
Feelings of worthlessness or excessive guilt.
Frequent physical complaints such as headaches and stomachaches.
Lack of enthusiasm or motivation.
Low energy and chronic fatigue.
Drug and/or alcohol abuse.
Recurring thoughts of death or suicide.

Know The Facts.

As many as one in every 33 children and approximately one in eight adolescents may have depression. (Center for Mental Health Services, 1996).
Treatment of major depression is as effective for children as it is for adults. (Dr. Graham Emslie, American Medical Association, Archives of General Psychiatry, November 15, 1997).
What are some of the risk factors for depression?
Children under stress, who have experienced loss, or who have attention, learning, or conduct disorders are at a higher risk for depression (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry).
Adolescent girls are more likely than adolescent boys to develop depression (National Institute of Mental Health).
Youth, particularly younger children, who develop depression are likely to have a family history of the disorder (National Institute of Mental Health).
Four out of every five runaway youth suffer from depression (U.S. Select Committee on Children, Youth & Families).
What are some of the consequences of depression?
Once a young person has experienced an episode of depression, he or she is at risk for developing another episode of depression within the next 5 years (Center for Mental Health Services).
Depression in childhood may predict more severe depressive illness in adulthood (National Institute of Mental Health).
Depression in children and adolescents is associated with an increased risk for suicidal behaviors (National Institute of Mental Health).
What Can Parents/Adults Do?
If parents or other adults in a young person's life suspect a problem with depression, they should:

Know the warning signs of depression and note how long problems have been going on, how often they occur, and how severe they seem.

See a mental health professional or the child's doctor for evaluation and diagnosis.
Get accurate information from libraries, hotlines and other sources.
Ask questions about treatments and services.
Talk to other families or find a family network organization.
It is important for people who have questions about, or are not satisfied with, the mental health care they receive to discuss their concerns with the provider, ask for more information and seek help from other sources.


Help is Available

Depression is treatable.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for children with depression.
Children who exhibit symptoms of depression should be referred to and evaluated by a mental health professional who specializes in treating children and adolescents.
The diagnostic evaluation may include psychological testing, laboratory tests and consultation with other specialists.
A comprehensive treatment plan may include psychotherapy, ongoing evaluation and monitoring, and in some cases, psychiatric medication.
Optimally, this plan is developed with the family, and whenever possible, the child or adolescent is involved in treatment decisions.

Read more about major depression or teenage depression now...

Parent's Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.)

My organization is creating parent awareness for today's teen issues and the struggles they may deal with. A parent needs to keep the lines of communication open with their child, as hard as that may be at times, it is important to keep our children safe. Know their friends, know where they are going and what they are doing. As a parent, we are their advocate.

Sue Scheff: Parenting Books

I recently created a Blog on a variety of parenting books that have been recommended from parents throughout the country as well as ones I have read. P.U.R.E. is about parents helping parents and sharing information.

Click here.

Sue Scheff: Articles to help parents of teens

My new Blog of News Articles around the world on today's teens including teen depression, teen suicide, teen anger, teen pregancy and more offers parents of teenagers today valuable information.

Sue Scheff - (P.U.R.E.) Educating Parents

P.U.R.E. is proudly going on 8 years of continuing to help families and educating parents with today's youths.

Sue Scheff - Teen Internet Addiction

Teen Internet Addiction is my new website designed to educate parents on the dangers of the Internet and how to keep your teens safe in Cyberspace.

Sue Scheff -Parent's Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.)

My new book will be released in 2008. "Wit's End!" will not only journey through my story it will help educate parents and offer resources for at risk children.

Learn from my mistakes - gain from my knowledge. The publisher of Chicken Soup for the Soul book series will be introducing my book in 2008. It will offer hope, inspiration and courage for those that feel they are alone with a struggling teen or pre-teen.

Parents Universal Resource Experts, Inc.

Parent's Universal Resource Experts (P.U.R.E.) is a Resource Service for parents of pre-teens and teens. P.U.R.E. helps Educate Parents on how to locate safe options for their individual child. An Educated Parent can make an informed decision for their family.

Our Resource Services includes first hand experiences with a variety of schools and programs throughout the country. We pride P.U.R.E. with the integrity and honesty to give you objective feedback with information we have gathered over the years. We are not therapists, or medical doctors; we are simply parents helping parents. Educating parents to make the best decisions for their family is what we strive to do.

P.U.R.E. is based on reality - especially with today's teen society of technology including MySpace and other Internet concerns for children. Today we are educating children at much younger ages about substance abuse, sex, pedophiles and more. The latest wave of music and lyrics, television and movies help to contribute to generate a new spin on this age group. Today parents are also dealing with teens and their Entitlement Issues! Kids today are not brought up with the same respect and responsibility many of us were raised with generations prior. This leads to new areas of concern for parents.

We recognize that each family is different with a variety of needs. P.U.R.E. believes in creating Parent Awareness to help you become an educated parent in the teen help industry. We will give you a feeling of comfort in a situation that can be confusing, stressful, frustrating and sometimes desperate.

Learn from our mistakes, gain from our knowledge - Educate yourself! Explore P.U.R.E. and learn more about our services. http://www.helpyourteens.com/

Desperate? Confused? Stressed? Anxious? Helplessness? Frustrated? Scared? Exhausted? Fearful? Alone? Drained? Hopelessness? Out of Control? At Wits End?

P.U.R.E. gives Encouragement, Light, Comfort, Care, Resources, Inspiration, Calmness, Insight, Awareness, and HOPE that there is help and you are not alone! Learn from our mistakes - gain from our knowledge.